MOMMA’S MAGICAL PURSE

Taking a cue from Mary Poppins, Rachael’s Momma sports a hefty handbag that’s plainly larger inside than out. Rachael insists that it’s magic, and after a notably misadventurous outing in the park that brings out bandages, jackets, rain gear, and rope—not to mention a full picnic, a goat, the kitchen sink, and considerable else—even scoffing cousin David is convinced. Bogan casts Rachael and Momma as corpulent kitties (cousin David’s a floppy-eared dog) in contemporary dress—meaning a bare midriff for Rachael and oversized shorts and tee for David. Attended by an audience of capering squirrels and other park denizens, the visitors’ personalities are as full as their figures; Momma in particular oozes supreme confidence, even when she has to walk a tightrope to rescue David from the lake. Purple plastic purses make fine fashion statements, but young readers will agree that a bag like Momma’s is far more useful in the clutch—so to speak. (Picture book. 6-8)